How do Anolis lizards reveal bright throat fans during courtship or threats?

Anoles (genus Anolis) reveal their bright throat fans, known as dewlaps, by extending this specialized, extensible flap of skin located on the throat.12

This action is a form of ritualized display behavior used during social interactions. By extending the dewlap, the lizard increases its apparent size and presents a conspicuous visual signal to others. These displays serve two primary functions:3
* Territoriality: Males use the dewlap to signal their possession of a territory to intruders, often avoiding the need for physical combat.13
* Courtship: The bright coloration of the dewlap helps attract females for mating.13

While displaying, anoles may also engage in other stereotyped movements, such as head bobbing or push-ups, to further emphasize their presence. Although these displays make the lizard more visible and potentially vulnerable to predators, they have evolved through natural selection because the reproductive and territorial advantages outweigh the risks.3